Full Send Podcast Episode 146: Featuring Forrest Galante

Released on February 8, 2025 by Shots Podcast Network

1. Introduction: An Unprecedented Setup

The episode kicks off with the hosts expressing excitement over their unique podcast setup, hinting at an extraordinary experience awaiting listeners. [01:07]

Host A: “This might be the craziest podcast setup that we've ever done, right?”

Forrest Galante (B): “I'm really jealous because I want to do one of my pods in the central viewing gallery.”

2. Exploring Vantara: The World's Largest Wildlife Rescue Facility

Forrest introduces listeners to Vantara, a premier wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center in India, founded by the renowned entrepreneur Anatombani. The facility is lauded for its comprehensive approach to wildlife conservation, housing animals rescued from around the globe.

Forrest Galante: “Ventara is the world's largest wildlife rescue and rehab facility. Every animal here has been rescued from all corners of the globe.” [04:01]

The hosts share their awe at the diversity of animals they've encountered, including tigers, lions, bears, and elephants, highlighting the facility's significant impact on animal welfare.

Host A: “We've seen, I mean today we saw tigers, we saw lions, we saw bears, we saw elephants.” [04:01]

3. Forrest Galante’s Journey: From Biologist to Media Personality

Forrest delves into his professional journey, detailing his transition from a field biologist to a media-savvy conservationist. His passion for wildlife led him to pivot from traditional biology roles to creating engaging media content aimed at raising awareness about conservation.

Forrest Galante: “I made the jump from that to like, full on media, which is what, you know, I do. Conservation, communication now, basically.” [09:24]

He recounts his first foray into television through the reality show "Naked and Afraid," where his unique approach of engaging with wildlife rather than succumbing to the show's challenges garnered significant attention.

Forrest Galante: “I was like, out catching snakes and showing them the camera while my own snake was hanging out. And then after that happened, I was like, all right, that reached 4 million people.” [09:30]

4. Behind the Scenes: Challenges in Wildlife Production

The conversation shifts to the intricacies of producing wildlife content. Forrest shares insights into the demanding nature of filming with wild animals, emphasizing the patience and dedication required to capture compelling footage.

Host A: “Like, let's say some of the craziest stuff you filmed. How long do you have to like sit there and wait for like a shot Sometimes?” [14:09]

Forrest Galante: “The guys who do like the BBC stuff will sit for like six, seven weeks to get a shot.” [14:35]

He contrasts his approach with traditional methods, opting for more active engagement with wildlife rather than passive observation, which often results in higher production costs but more dynamic content.

Forrest Galante: “I'll have to like go up the mountain and find the thing. And that's, that's harder.” [14:41]

5. Thrilling Encounters: Close Calls with Wildlife

Forrest recounts several harrowing experiences that illustrate the unpredictability and danger inherent in wildlife conservation work.

Encounter with Sea Snake Venom:

While milking sea snakes for venom potency testing, Forrest accidentally got venom on his fingers and feared he had contaminated his eyes, leading to intense anxiety until he realized he was unharmed after a restless night.

Forrest Galante: “I was like, dude, off. And I put my fingers in my eyes like this, and I thought I still had the venom on my fingers... I just woke up the next morning.” [16:03]

Lightning Strike Incident:

During a Garmin Watch commercial shoot in the Everglades, Forrest was struck by lightning, leaving him with lingering sensations and soreness.

Forrest Galante: “My whole, like, legs went like jelly... I had the taste of metal in my mouth for like a week.” [17:34]

Shark Encounter:

Forrest shares a terrifying encounter with a 17-foot tiger shark in the Maldives, narrowly escaping a fatal attack by instinctively protecting his head.

Forrest Galante: “She was just there to bite. And as I did that and pushed her head up, I somehow had my hand in a good spot to close her jaw from the bottom and push her head up... Just luckily didn't take my head off.” [23:55]

6. Collaborations and Building a Wildlife Community

The episode highlights Forrest's collaborations with prominent figures like Joe Rogan and Anatombani, fostering a community passionate about wildlife conservation.

Forrest Galante: “We'll just keep pushing those shots. It's way more fun than doing Discovery Channel show.” [31:28]

He describes how mutual interests in wildlife have forged strong friendships, enabling them to work together on various conservation projects and media endeavors.

Forrest Galante: “He's just like a very leveled headed down to earth guy... we're talking about one thing and so it brings us all together.” [05:28]

7. Philosophical Conversations: Life, Aliens, and Conservation

Forrest and the host engage in deep philosophical discussions, touching upon topics like the existence of aliens, the complexity of life, and the essence of human understanding.

On Aliens:

Forrest Galante: “I think it's crazy to assume that we're the only life in the universe. I think that's insane now.” [37:56]

He draws parallels between undiscovered life forms on Earth and the potential for extraterrestrial life, emphasizing the ever-evolving understanding of life's possibilities.

On Life and Religion:

Forrest Galante: “The only thing that I really believe in is karma. I think if you plan to do good in the world and put good out there, you get rewarded.” [39:59]

The conversation also delves into the beauty and complexity of Earth, with the host expressing a belief in a higher power due to the planet's intricate natural wonders.

Host A: “I believe in God... it's too beautiful to be an accident.” [40:50]

8. Future Endeavors and Conservation Goals

Forrest articulates his unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation, eschewing the idea of retirement in favor of continuous engagement with his passion. He outlines his ultimate goal of inspiring others to care about animals, thereby fostering a global movement toward conservation.

Forrest Galante: “If every person that I can touch, as many people as I can touch as possible, decide that they're going to like animals a little bit more... it'll change the world.” [42:13]

He discusses upcoming projects, including Shark Week episodes and unconventional conservation efforts like managing the invasive hippo population in Colombia by performing field surgeries.

Forrest Galante: “We were building these, like, pretty shitty bomas, and bomas collapse. It's crazy.” [34:30]

9. Conclusion: Reflecting on the Journey and Looking Ahead

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts express gratitude toward Forrest and Anatombani for their hospitality and the enriching experiences in India. They tease future content, including a Nelk India video and additional adventures, underscoring the ongoing collaboration and shared passion for wildlife conservation.

Host A: “India has blown away my expectations... what you're seeing here is just a little taste, but we're filming an entire Nelk India video that has everything in it.” [43:27]

Forrest reciprocates the appreciation, reinforcing the bond formed through their shared endeavors.

Forrest Galante: “I'm so stoked you're here.” [44:36]

The episode concludes with a nod to upcoming projects, leaving listeners anticipating more exciting content on future Full Send Podcast episodes.

Key Takeaways:

• Vantara's Impact: Vantara stands as a beacon of comprehensive wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, significantly contributing to global animal conservation efforts.

• Forrest’s Dedication: Forrest Galante's transition from traditional biology to media underscores his commitment to making wildlife conservation accessible and engaging to a broader audience.

• Challenges of Wildlife Media: Producing wildlife content is fraught with challenges, from unpredictable animal behavior to the demanding nature of long-term filming expeditions.

• Close Encounters: Forrest's vivid recounting of close calls with dangerous wildlife highlights both the risks and rewards of working intimately with nature.

• Community and Collaboration: Building relationships with like-minded individuals and influencers amplifies the impact of conservation efforts, fostering a supportive and passionate community.

• Philosophical Depth: The episode transcends typical podcast fare by delving into profound discussions about life, existence, and humanity's role in the broader ecosystem.

• Future Aspirations: Forrest's relentless pursuit of conservation goals, coupled with innovative projects, promises continued advancements in wildlife protection and awareness.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of Episode 146 of the Full Send Podcast, offering insights into Forrest Galante's remarkable journey, the operations of Vantara, and the broader implications of wildlife conservation in today's world.